What I Got For Christmas 2016

Greeeeetings!!

Firstly, did you all have a great Christmas? I hope you did! 

Next, I just want to state that this isn't a BraggyMcBrag post of what I got for Christmas. I just know that I am a pretty nosy person, so I figured if I am, then you probably are too!

On The Last Day Of Blogmas.. | Blogmas #24

So, work is finally over and I'm off for a nice, relaxing few days starting from now! YAY!

Christmas Eve Traditions | Blogmas #23

Source. 

How I spend Christmas Eve has changed a heck of a lot over the years. I remember it never used to be that big of a deal when my sister and I were younger, it just wasn't really celebrated in our household. I guess the 'rents just had to prepare themselves for a day of excitement the next morning, and of course we were blackmailed by the fact Santa wouldn't arrive if he knew we were still awake!

Last Minute Stocking Fillers For Her | Blogmas #22

Whether you're a last minute person in general, or just struggling for the perfect gift for her, I thought I'd throw some ideas out there for you! I've tried to keep include high and low end products for all different budgets, so hopefully they'll be something for everyone here!

The Most Random (And Tragic) Childhood Christmas Memories | Blogmas #21

Past Christmases can more often than not come with so many memories! Far too many to count (or remember) but I find it's definitely the one's from your childhood that stick! Some of them are too funny not to share and it's always fun to reminisce!

What Does Christmas Mean To You? | Blogmas #20

Recently, I reached out to you all on Twitter to find out what Christmas means to you, and I got such a positive response! Thanks so much to everyone who got involved! It was a great insight to see what you all get up to and what lovely answers you gave! I'd definitely like to do more posts like this in the New Year, so do let me know if you'd like that?

Pinterest Christmas Snack Ideas | Blogmas #19

When it comes to Pinterest, I spend far too many late nights searching for anything from blog tips and quotes to baking inspiration. I love the idea of making hundreds of delicious treats, especially if they are Christmas themed but I don't always have the time or motivation to actually do it. Nor do I have the space, as my kitchen at home is so small, there's just not enough room! 

The Most Relatable Christmas Jumper With Ellie Ellie* | Blogmas #18

It's always exciting to get an email from a brand, but when you find out they literally couldn't be closer to your doorstep if you tried, it's even better! With Christmas just around the corner, the frantic hunt for the perfect jumper begins. Even if you have one, I feel like you can never have too many!

7 Ways To Help You Get Into The Festive Sprit | Blogmas #17

It's easy to get caught up in all the stress around Christmas time, which for some means turning into a bit of a Scrooge. Although I do find work stressful and stupidly busy in December, I do take time out to make sure I'm not totally tainted by stress. After all, it's important to be as happy as you possibly can and enjoy Christmas like you're a kid again!

My Top 5 Lush Christmas Products | Blogmas Day #16

I love Lush at the best of times, although their Christmas products are by far my favourite! This year, they've certainly hit the nail on the head. From bringing back new and improved golden oldies, to brand spanking new products, Lush have you covered!

My Beaded Treasures Christmas Jewellery Party | Blogmas #15

Recently, I popped along to my friend Katie's Christmas open house to have a mooch at all of her lovely, handmade jewellery that she sells on her Etsy Shop - My Beaded Treasures.  I knew she sold jewellery from previous stalks, but oh my god! I couldn't believe how much of it there was!

Festive Film Favourites | Blogmas #14

My boyfriend and I have a tradition that whenever December starts, so do the Christmas films! They are the easiest and most magical way to get yourself in the festive spirit, all whilst enjoying them from the comfort of your own home (or someone else's!). Here are some of my favourites which I will happily settle down with a bag of popcorn to during festive season!

6 Places On My Winter Travel Bucket List | Blogmas #13

It's no lie that I have Wanderlust pretty much all year round these days. If money was no object (or I had lots of it) I would up and leave for all of these places in a heartbeat. There are obviously a lot of warm weather holidays I'd love to go on, but winter trips are just so magical. Especially when there is snow involved! Here is my list of the places currently at the top of my bucket list!

Random Ramblings, Goals & The Blogging Community | Blogmas #12

OMG! So, last night I hit 4000 followers on Twitter (ahhhh!!!!) which was 1000 more than my year end goal for 2016! I don't know how this happened! I am so grateful and it's way beyond what I could have ever imagined! I mean, even 3000 was a seriously ambitious goal for me, so THANK YOU!

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park | Blogmas #11

For the last 3 years, it's been mine and Jacks tradition at the start of December to take our annual festive trip up to Winter Wonderland, based in London's very own Hyde Park. Of course, it's only right that we pop to Oxford Street beforehand to visit Lush and various other amazing shops *ahem*Selfridges*ahem* followed by a Wagamama (Chicken Katsu Curry = life).

The Christmas Lip Edit | Blogmas #10

Aside from nude colours, red lipsticks are my absolute favourite. All the more when we're in full swing of the festive season! My Summer Lip Edit post was probably up there with one of the most popular posts I've written, so it only seemed right to do a Winter/ Christmas themed one too! I hope you like this one as much as the last!

Arundel Christmas Market | Blogmas #9

On Saturday, myself, Jack, his Mum and Brother headed off to Arundel for their annual Christmas Market. We attempted to go once before but ended up arriving too late, ultimately missing the entire thing! Oops. This time, we made the most of it by going super early!

A (Slightly Alternative) Christmas Playlist | Blogmas #8

 

Music is literally the soundtrack to my life. It motivates me, or sometimes the total opposite (like those moments where you end up prancing around your room and singing into your hairbrush..) You know you do it too.

The Christmas Tag | Blogmas #7

How crazy is it that we're already 7 days into Blogmas?! I can't quite believe how quickly December is going, not to mention how unprepared and broke I am. I was genuinely so baffled the other day when I got my first Christmas card.. No kidding, I literally forgot they existed! Help pls.

Bad memory aside, I did The Christmas Tag last year (with the most hideous font colour choices) and I saw this one on Poppy's blog where the questions differed slightly, so here is my updated version! 

What is your favourite Christmas film?

It's got to be A Christmas Carol. Although there are so many versions of this film, the Jim Carey one is by far my favourite! He's the greatest. 

Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Not as far as I remember, although it would be so magical if it snowed! I think living down south it would never be possible anyway! 

What is your favourite Christmas song?

THERE ARE SO MANY. The songs that give me the most nostalgia have to be Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney or Step Into Christmas by Elton John. Love 'em!

Do you open any presents on Christmas eve?

Jack and I sometimes do the odd stocking filler but other than that, nope! It has to wait until Christmas Day, otherwise it would ruin the magic of Christmas morning! 

What holiday traditions are you looking forward to the most this year?

We've already been to Winter Wonderland in London (post coming soon!) which that's a firm favourite of ours every year. I also love late night Christmas shopping and snuggling up watching films. Failing that, drinking all of the mulled wine & cider! 

What is your all time favourite holiday food/sweet treat?

Pigs in Blankets! Or Percy Pigs for breakfast on Christmas morning! 

What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?

Germany or Edinburgh! Just somewhere that has insane Christmas markets. I reckon they'd be amazing and so festive!

Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?

I'm pretty pro when it comes to speed and I like to think I make an effort with presentation, although sometimes it's just not possible when you have the weirdest shaped gifts known to man! Any tips for wrapping awkward presents would be appreciated haha!

Feel free to tag yourself and let me know your answers! I'd love to see them :) 

*image: Tumblr. Edited by myself*

Salon Success Jingle & Mingle Event | Blogmas #6

Photo by Laura.

Last Tuesday, myself and a few other local bloggers were invited by Salon Success to their Jingle & Mingle event at Hotel Du Vin, Brighton. I've actually been to Hotel Du Vin before for previous events and it's such a beautiful place. The staff did a great job at accommodating us and made us feel very welcome, which is always a great added bonus!

Christmas Jumper Wishlist | Blogmas #5

Christmas jumpers are the perfect excuse to dress as tacky as you like, right? They also require minimum effort to throw on over the top of some jeans or leggings - especially for those lazy days! Ahem, Sunday I'm looking at you. I love the quirkiness of them, particularly the ones with the slogans and ones that have a more retro feel!

5 Practical Advent Calendars Ideas | Blogmas #4

Technically, I probably should have posted this way before now. However, if you're a late comer like me, the good thing about me posting this 4 days into advent is that most of these have been reduced and you don't even need to pay full price for them now! You're welcome. 

6 Quirky Websites You Want To Buy From This Christmas | Blogmas #3

When it comes to looking for Christmas presents, the internet is normally the first place I go. I am constantly on the lookout for websites that sell 'quirky' or 'different' sorts of gifts, as I like to think outside the box. There's nothing better than shopping from the comfort of your own home, right?!

Beauty Advent Calendar Wishlist | Blogmas #2

Every year, I manage to lust over pretty much every beauty advent calendar that's ever released. There's no way in hell (unless I became rich) that I'd be able to afford to buy them all, let alone one. Even though the majority of these are sold out, I thought I'd pick out my most wanted anyway and maybe even cave and buy one next year!

November Favourites | Blogmas #1

Okay, brace yourselves.. I actually uploaded a favourites on time! I think some kind of miracle has happened? On the other hand, HOW is it almost time to write the yearly favourites round-up? I'M NOT READY!